HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-27 West Street Historic District Commission MinutesTown of Reading West Street Historic District Commission
16 Lowell Street Phone 781- 942 -6608
Reading, MA 01867 Fax (781) 942 -9071
Website: readingma.gov
WSHDC MINUTES
Meeting Dated: October 27, 2011
Location: The Berger Room, Reading Town Hall Time: 7:30 PM
Members: Steve O'Shea, Interim Chair; Virginia Adams; Priscilla Poehler; Everett Blodgett;
Also Present:
Sharlene Reynolds Santo, Associate Member
Kim Saunders, Recording Secretary
Thomas Lynch, 126 West Street
Susan Lynch, 126 West Street
There being a quorum the meeting was called at 7:40 PM
New Business: 126 West Street
The proposed work consists of replacing 3 Tab shingles with Architectural shingles on the house roof.
The applicant stated the roof needs to be replaced because of the crumbling of old roof and leakage. It
was discussed with the Board why the applicant would not replace the 3 Tab shingles that were
originally there. The main reasons were: availability of shingles; 3 Tabs are guaranteed for 10 -15 years
and Architectural is guaranteed 25 -30 years. Ms. Adams reminded the Board new shingles need to meet
the Building Inspectors requirements. It was talked about how much roof is showing from West Street
and how the house is less than 70 years of age. There was concern how many other residents would
need to re- shingle their house. Mr. O'Shea read the definition of the two by -laws the applicant request
could fall into:
5.18.9.3 — ordinary maintenance, repair or replacement of any exterior architectural
feature within a District which does not involve a change in design, material or the
outward appearance.
5.18.9.1.6 - Buildings that are less than 70 years old are exempt from review of
Alterations and additions, unless the Alterations affect more than 25 percent of any
fagade visible from a Public Way or unless any addition visible from a public way
increase such Buildings by more than 25 percent.
Mr. Blodgett moved the Commission issue a Certificate of Non Applicability for the work
proposed for 126 West Street based on the General By -Law 5.18.9.1.6. Ms. poehler seconded
and the motion carried 5:0:0
(Ms. Adams reminded Ms. Santo's she was able to vote because all members are not present)
Mr. O'Shea stated motion allowed. The Certificate of Non Applicability will be issued.
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Other Business
The Board discussed the need for another Member. Ms. Adams is going to email Ilene
Bornstein, Associate Member, to see if she is still interested. Ms. Adams will check with Town
Clerk on the procedure to swear in a new member into the West Side Historical District
Commission.
Mr. O'Shea requested a blank Certificate of Non Applicability be emailed to him from the
Community Services Department. Mr. Blodgett asked if he can come in to the Community
Services Department to update his book on old cases that went before the Board.
Mr. O'Shea would like to have a procedure to screen applicants. Ms. Adams suggested that
maybe there should be two Board members screening the applications. If any doubts on an
application; a meeting should be called. He suggested the Board come with ideas for the next
meeting.
Mr. O'Shea will stay on as interim Chairperson. He, however, was concerned about getting to
the Town Hall with originals that need to be filed. The other Board members let him know they
can be available to come to the Town Hall when needed. Ms. Adams suggested a meeting every
two months when no applications are submitted. The difference between the guidelines and by-
laws were discussed; it was asked if the guidelines should be rewritten?
Mr. Blodgett moved to adjourn. Mr. O'Shea seconded and the motion carried 5:0:0.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.
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